Aitor Merino

Biography

Aitor Merino Unzueta (born December 17, 1972, in Donostia-San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa) is a Spanish filmmaker, actor, and producer who has developed his career primarily in film, theatre, and television. He was raised in Pamplona.

Career in Acting

Merino has a career spanning over twenty years as an actor, having participated in numerous feature films and television series under the direction of notable filmmakers. Some of the films he has acted in include Historias del Kronen, Celos, Te doy mis ojos (Take My Eyes), and Días de fútbol (Soccer Days). He has also appeared in television productions such as Hospital Central, LEX, and El Ministerio del tiempo (The Ministry of Time).

Transition to Directing and Notable Works

Merino's career evolved into directing, often focusing on documentary and personal storytelling.

Director Debut: His first short film as a director, "El pan nuestro" (2007), received a nomination for the Goya Awards and was recognized at various national and international festivals.

Documentary Success: He is highly recognized for the feature-length documentary "ASIER ETA BIOK" (Asier and Me) (2013), which he co-directed with his sister, Amaia Merino. The film explores the complexities of the Basque political conflict through the lens of Aitor's lifelong friendship with Asier Aranguren. The documentary was presented at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Irizar Award.

Recent Work: He also directed, wrote, and was the cinematographer for the documentary feature "Fantasía" (2021), a film that centers on his family and the experience of his parents on a cruise.

In his directorial projects, Aitor Merino is often credited not only as a director but also as a screenwriter and cinematographer. His work frequently touches upon local Basque themes, reflecting his deep connection to his cultural and historical roots.